First trip to England and flying into Manchester to head to the Cotswolds for a week

[Guest]

My elderly mother is nervous about trying to maneuver trains and buses so I plan on renting a car. I’ve read some horrible reviews of rental car agencies so I’m starting to panic a bit.

I saw Sixt listed as well. So that gives me two options in looking for a great price. Thanks to SCF I was able to find round trip tickets from Dallas to Manchester for $342. I surprised my mom with a passport application for Mother’s Day and am taking her. My mom has always wanted to go and now we are just weeks away. First trip abroad!

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Heidi]

I never get the additional insurance. Last November I rented through Costco Travel and got a deal from Enterprise at the York train station (didn’t want to get a car immediately upon landing because of being tired).

At the counter, I made the decision to “pay down the excess” (insure against the deductible)and am so glad I did. Anything larger than about a quarter is considered a charge. Driving on the left on narrow country roads and really tight parking spaces, I ended up scuffing the tire and scraping the side of the bumper.

I was not charged anything at drop off, and only had to sign a single form at the airport. Highly recommend it.

[Sarah]

While I too have read bad reviews of rental car companies ( such as easirent) I havnt had a bad experience yet. I rent an car monthly from Manchester. If you are worried it might be best to take out third party insurance to cover you in the event of an emergency. Travelmoneysupermarket have plans that cost 3£ per day.

[Christina]

Just remember to keep the drivers body to the center of the road.

[Mary]

We lived in England for 4 years as my husband was stationed there and both my husband and I drove. We never rented a car but were given the advice if we did to be sure to always take the windscreen insurance. The windshield is called the windscreen there.

[Maureen]

We just were in the Cotswolds in June and had no problem at all. Used Eurocar.